What is mulching lawn mower

Skip the bag. That’s the short answer. Let the clippings stay right where they fall. A fine-cut trimmer shreds the grass into small, nutrient-rich bits that drop back into the soil. No need to rake. No need to haul. Just let the natural cycle do the work.

This type of equipment uses a double-blade or specially shaped cutting chamber to chop clippings several times before they land. What you’re left with is not a mess, but a layer of tiny fragments that settle in, break down, and feed the roots. It’s like free compost–made in real-time.

You’ll notice fewer weeds. The thick layer of fragments acts like a soft barrier, slowing down new growth from below. It also locks in moisture. During a hot Calgary summer, that makes a difference. Your yard keeps its green longer with less watering–something we’ve seen firsthand more than once.

Some say it leaves clumps. That can happen, but only if the grass is too long or too wet. A regular cut schedule–weekly or so–prevents that. We’ve found the best results happen with sharp blades and dry conditions. It’s not complicated, but it does take a bit of timing.

Property Werks offers this method as part of every cut. They don’t upcharge for it or treat it like a special feature–it’s just what works best for Calgary lawns. If you’re after fewer weeds, less watering, and healthier turf without the hassle, they’re the ones to call.

How the Cutting and Recirculation System Processes Grass Clippings

Use a sharp, high-lift blade that creates enough airflow to suspend clippings inside the deck. This is where the real action happens. As grass is cut, it’s immediately pulled upward, sliced, and then caught in a controlled vortex under the housing. That swirling motion is intentional–it keeps the fragments circulating long enough to be trimmed again and again.

The clippings don’t just drop or eject right away. Instead, they’re redirected by baffles and the curved shape of the housing, forcing them back toward the blade. That repeated contact breaks the grass into finer and finer pieces–less than a few millimetres, ideally. Smaller particles settle between existing blades, where they decompose without smothering the surface. No raking, no unsightly rows. Just a cleaner finish.

Why the Blade Shape Matters

Not all blades can handle this. Standard straight designs won’t recirculate fragments properly–they tend to eject early. Instead, use a curved or multi-level edge that pulls air efficiently and chops in multiple planes. You’ll notice a better grind, especially in dense or slightly damp conditions where heavier debris would otherwise clump or stick.

I’ve tested a few setups over the years, and once I swapped in a proper dual-edge blade, the difference was hard to ignore. Less buildup, more uniform spread, and almost no visible residue. For anyone looking for that clean, consistent cut week after week, it’s worth upgrading.

Want it done right without the guesswork? PROPERTY WERKS in Calgary nails it every time. Their crew understands how blade geometry, airflow, and deck design all come together. They don’t just cut–they refine.

What Types of Blades and Deck Designs Are Best for Mulching

Go with a high-lift, multi-tooth blade specifically shaped for recirculating clippings. These are often called “Gator” or “3-in-1” blades. The serrated edges and curved profile help chop grass multiple times before it hits the soil. It’s not just about sharpness–it’s about how the blade moves air. You want turbulence under the deck, not a clean discharge. Standard straight blades just can’t do that job well.

As for the deck, look for a dome-shaped, sealed design. Vented decks or those made for side-discharge tend to toss clippings too early. A properly baffled chamber, with no open discharge port, forces clippings to stay longer under the blade. That’s what gets you those fine, near-invisible clippings that disappear into the lawn. Flat or wide decks might seem sturdy, but they don’t circulate debris well enough to get a clean cut-and-drop cycle.

Some machines have adjustable baffles or dedicated plug systems–these help too, but only if the core design supports recirculation. Honestly, I’ve seen people swap to a mulching blade without sealing the chute and wonder why it didn’t work. Everything has to work together. If you’re in Calgary and want someone to do it right without you testing every blade yourself, PROPERTY WERKS knows what gear performs in local conditions. They’ve probably already figured out what works on your street.

Impact on Turf Health Compared to Bagging or Side Ejection

Skip the collection bag. Leaving finely shredded clippings on the surface feeds the roots directly, reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizer by about 25%. It’s not just nitrogen–those fragments return phosphorus and potassium too, almost in the same ratio most commercial blends aim to deliver.

Disposal through side discharge or bagging removes all of that. You end up hauling away potential nutrition, then buying it back in a sack later. It doesn’t add up. Especially in Calgary, where summer growth is short and intense, losing organic content weakens the base layer faster than it can regenerate.

That said, there’s a caveat–only when done with sharp blades and dry conditions. Damp or overgrown patches can clump, smothering the green underneath. In that case, bagging might be safer, temporarily. But week-to-week, shredding and leaving material where it falls supports better moisture retention, cooler soil, and denser coverage by midsummer.

Personal opinion? After switching from bagging to this method last season, I noticed fewer bare patches and almost no thatch buildup. Could be coincidence. Still, easier maintenance and fewer landfill runs felt like a win either way.

For those who want a hands-off approach, PROPERTY WERKS in Calgary knows how to handle it–balanced timing, sharp equipment, and zero mess left behind. Honestly, they’re one of the few that don’t just cut, but actually seem to care how things grow back.

Q&A:

PROPERTY WERKS Contact Information:

Address

1017 1 Ave NE, Calgary, AB T2E 0C9

Phone

403 239-1269

Hours of operation

Monday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Tuesday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Wednesday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Thursday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Friday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sunday Closed

Online service – Open 24 Hours / 7 days

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